Mazda RX8 R3
Love Triangle
The old rotary engines were complicated, high maintenance and the short installments of pleasure they gave (after each fuel station visit) were followed by long lulls without any cash flow. The RX-8 sorted the upkeep issues and now the new R3 version has promised to cut ownership costs so how can your other half possible complain about this third party?
We all know the sabotaging effects that the triangle-shaped rotary engine will have on our finances but nothing says ‘Zoom-Zoom’ like a 9000rpm RENESIS motor. And since nobody really wants to give up these thrills, Mazda has found a way where you can have your cake and eat it. The architectural alterations to the new RX8 R3’s twin rotor are subtle however tweaking the oil metering system and adopting a new knock sensor have had marked improvements on the fuel economy. It’s no match for the Toyota Prius but when push comes to shove 25mpg is just about acceptable given the fun it returns.
If you’ve never experienced a rotary engine before then your sports car knowledge has a big black hole in it; these three-arm inventions are a rite of passage, they are like the difference between sniffing the spirits in your parents drinks cabinet and your dad buying you your first pint which an hour later you spew up over the prettiest girl at college’s shoes. Mazda of course have been fans of the engine for 40 years and good old Dr. Felix Wankel who invented the thing at age 86 would be clinking glasses with the Japanese manufacturer now if he could see just how much progress they’ve made and how well it works in synergy with their sleek 4-seater roadster.
We’d save a paragraph for something less obvious than how well the RX-8 R3 drives except the current revisions really do warrant upgrading your 2003 version. Aside from the directness of the steering, the superb road holding and the fluidity of the cornering, it makes the miles insignificant and you really can feel you’ve gone up a grade with their level of experience. Mazda never seems to get complacent no matter how honed they get their machines. The competition of course is brutal what with the Audi TT, VW Golf R32 and Nissan 350Z all muscling in on the action so there’s no place for sloppiness.
Surprisingly though Mazda are offering this quality piece of engineering for just £24,995. There is just one flat price and one choice of model which is highly spec’d. The Recaro sports seats are part of the deal and because the RX-8 R3 is built for enthusiastic driving, these seats clamp you in place nicely and the firm lumbar support adds to the over all comfort on long journeys. Leather trim is another welcome feature as well as that 9-speaker 6-CD Bose sound system and MP3 Jack. The driving position has always been spot on but now the dials on the dash have been altered to reduce eye glare. To make life easier the wipers and lights turn on by themselves when needed and all the necessary safety aids are present.
The new body kit is also standard and due to the tougher look of the bumpers, the R3 now has more menace. The five point grille is also larger and the oil cooling vents beneath the front fog lights are particularly prevalent. The headlamps and twin rear LED lights are new, the front fender has been revised and the exhaust pipes now measure 90mm. Our favourite design feature is the rear hinged suicide doors which as well as being quirky make it easier for passengers to get in and out. A sports car always needs a striking set of rims and Mazda’s 19” dark titanium additions with rotor-shaped spokes definitely add a touch of class. They are wrapped in ultra low-profile 40 section tyres which grip the road phenomenally well. Two body colours have been carried over from the previous model; Sunlight Silver metallic and Velocity Red mica and there are also four new hues - Aurora Blue mica, Crystal White pearlescent, Diamond Grey metallic and Sparkling Black mica.
There’s space for four adults but you’ll need to travel light. Hopefully you’ve got an economical first car to do all the family stuff in and this fruity little sports car can be your bit on the side.
FOR: Just try one out and you’ll know why it dominates 25% of the sports car market
AGAINST: limited boot space, still thirsty.
VERDICT: You’d be square not to!
SPEC:
ENGINE: 1.3-litre twin rotary engine
Co2 (g/km)/tax: 299 g/km
POWER: 228bhp @ 8200rpm
TORQUE (lb/ft): 156lb ft @ 5500rpm
0-62mph (sec): 6.4
TOP SPEED: 146
MPG: 24.6 (combined)
TRANSMISSION: 6 speed manual
WEIGHT: 1390 kg
PRICE: £24,995
RIVALS: Nissan 350Z, Audi TT, VW Golf R32